What is the best paddle for creek boating?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dan hogg on August 9, 2008 at 12:35am

As long as I don't sacrifice it to the River Gods like on Hospital Rock of middle fork Kaweah, my AT4 river has been durable and at $169, retail, (my $ is better with club discount) it's hard to beat. I replaced my sacrificial paddle, but still plan to retrieve it as flows lower and I can see under the rock sieve with my snorkel and mask. Maybe later this month. P.S. Nice Creekboat Photo, Dan

Permalink Reply by Geoff Jennings on August 9, 2008 at 12:40am

I should check into those. I had some bad luck with AT paddles 4 years ago, and have been lucky with my Werners (until recently). But I need a super durable paddle for creeks and abusive stuff.

G

Permalink Reply by Gigi on August 19, 2008 at 2:25pm

Hey Geoff,
The best creek boating paddle is going to depend immensly on the individuals needs.. Carbon Carbon is great if you like a stiff light paddle, for people who have hurt shoulders a more flexable paddle would be ideal. On that same note their is discussion as to whether a bent or straight is ideal and that truely will have to do more with the persons paddling style. For example if you paddle with a light grip and don't have any pre-existing shoulder/wrist problems, I would say a Straight Shaft paddle is ideal because straight shafts are much stronger then bent shaft paddles. Bends are nice feeling, and better ergonomically if you grip the paddle tighter (ie: holy @$#% ! as you miss your eddy, your grip might go up at this point) When I was at O..a week or so ago I talked to Werner because they have great paddles but do not currently have a flexable Carbon option... they are designing paddles currently for Paddle boarding and one of those is a extreamly flexable all carbon option so maybe in the next year or so we will see a flexable all carbon come out of Werner. AT has a fairly light flexi shaft paddle which is great if you like the feel of the ergonomical bend which some people find to big. Personally I am paddling with a 194 player which works for me with a bent shaft... I am considering moving back to a straight shaft since it is stronger... I wouldn't mind something more flexable... To be honest the most important feature for me is probably strength of paddle. I don't know if their is a ideal paddle for creeking... however there may be an ideal Break down... Which I haven't found yet....

Permalink Reply by greg d on March 4, 2009 at 10:39am

AT paddles are like CRACK! They start out feeling "different" then after a day or two, BAM yer hooked and looking to score a fix anywhere you can. After using a AT for 10 years now, it's hard to paddle with anything else for me. Are they the most durable paddle built? NO, but I just can't quit my habit.....

Permalink Reply by Jason Bates on March 4, 2009 at 11:23am

.... wait, what was that I heard....? Did I just hear an AT paddle...?
"AT paddles are like ... CRACK!"

:-)

Just kidding,
JB